Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-30
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 80, 1887.
The TnrF N Nmgnla

The Tariff N Virginia.
We have always regarded all tariff
questions as second in Importance to the
question of the preservation Of the civil
hzation Of the South. We have never
called upon the Democratic party to dis
own any Democrat because he did
not concur in the tariff views
of the majority of that party.
We have never spoken disrcspectiully
even of Mr. CARLISLE. On the contra
~. our constant endcayor ior years has
been to keep the Democratic party from
dividing into two factions on the tariff
question. We are decidedly Of the
opinion that % large majority Of the
voters Of Virginia are protectionists
in principle and that il the question
could be submitted to them as the pro-
bibition question was, the result would
astonish the men who ridicule what is
called protection to American indus
tries" This city, for instance, which
has so high n reputation all over the
Commonwealth as Democratic strong
hold, would chat is orr belief vote by
n majority Of thousands in favor Of 50
adjusting the tariff as tocOver any differ
ence which may exist between the prices
of labor in Europe and the prices of
labor in This country. We heard once
that there was a band Of two thousand
white workiugmen in Richmond who
would not vote for any man who WAS OPP
posed to protection if all other questions
we're eliminated from the contest.
But it is useless to speculate as to
whether the Democratic sons follow in
the footsteps of their Wing fathers on the
tariff question when We have conclusive
and indisputable evidence on that point.
We choose rather to settle the question
by an appeal to the record.
During the session of the Legislature
of 1888 81 a reporter for the New York
Hcrald interviewed many of the mem
bers on several questions. One question
was the tariff another was rs to the in
vestigation OF the Danville riot; and
third was as to their favorte for Presi-
dent of the United States. We repro
duce here only what was said on the
tariff question, with the general eXcep-
ton that when the answers connected
two subjects together so closely that
these could not well be separated We
have given the answers in connection.
One of the first approached was Judge
Tom Smith, son of Ex-Governor William
Smith, and a Democratic member OF the
House Of Delegates.
"Whom do you favor as the Demo
cratic nominee for next PRESIDENT was
asked.
Hewitt, of New York
"What are your views as TO the tariff,
or tariff reform
"Hewitt's views accord with mine
exactly"
Mr.. James w. Marshall, Democratic
member of the House of Delegates, said
"Well, l think I'm IN favor OF the old
ticket As to the tariff, I'm in favor OF
the present rate of duties rs against what
] have seen of the Morrison bill
Delegate Stuart. Democrat, and
Speaker of the House of Delegates, said
| am opposed to the Morrison tariff bill
satisfied it is in conflict with Nirginia's
iron interests.
Senator Samuel II. Newbery, who is
a Democrat, replied: The tariff, think,
ought to be reduced and reformed, but
not as to iron.
Mr.. NEwBGRRY lives in the Southwest. J
Mr.. Edward Echols, a Democratic
member of the House, said: The tariff
ought TO be revised, but should protect
Virginia minerals and industries.
Mr.. j. Ii. Bogart, Democratic eX-
senator, said 1 prefer Bayard, but DO
not think he Is available or has any
chance in the convention. Do not know
who would be my next choice. l rather
favor the Carlisle tariff revision.
Mr.. J. +. Ryan. Democratic mem
Der of the House. said was opposed
to the election OF Carlisle over Randall.
While l favor revision of the present
tariff our home industries and resources
need encouraging protection.
Mr.. j. ID. Pretlow (Democratl said {;
Hewitt is too much of Free Trader
I'm Protectionist as far as it is neces-
sary TO encourage and sustain our indus
tries and resources. l was an Old-Llne
Wing and always have been Protec-
zionist.
Mr.. Henry Heaton. Democratic mem
Der, said In theory I'm Free Trader,
but in practice AS our condition requires
Tn Protectionist TO the extent of en-
couraging our manufactures and de-
veloBing our mines.
IHRAToN hits the black in the centre.
He represents the good old county Of
Loudoun.
Mr.. John b. Moon. of Albemarle,
SAID i favor tariff that will protect
our industries and our mineral products.
Senator Hurt, Of Pittsylyania, said ::
AS TO the tariff, stand on the Lynch
burg (Va) platform-a tariff for reve-
nue., With Incidental protection.
MIR. a. M. Lybrook, q Democratic
senator, said The tariff is an illegiti-
mate issue injected into the canvass 20
cause dissensions in the Democratic
party. The plank in our platform,
which is the same as the Ohio plank, is
my position on the tariff.
Senator Paul G. Edmunds, Democrat
said systematically I'm for protec-
ton because i think Virginia needs it.
Colonel r. A. Ayers, who is a we'll
informed Democratic leader from Scott
county, in the Southwest, in answer TO
the questions. said : Flower, of New
York, would be an available candidate.
His tariff views would not be very OBJ
jectionable 10 extreme Reformers or Pro-
tectionists. Free trade is thetrue Demo
cratic doctrine, bnt favor protection
because our interests and peculiar con-
dition at present demand il.
[Mr. AYERS is the present Attorney
General of Virgins. He stands on